Will this meet the requirements?

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PJ

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I needed to secure the waste discharge valve. my solution was to glued a block of wood to the hull and connected the handle to the eyelet. Will this meet the coast guard requirements?

 
Do you have a Y valve as well? If so, it should be locked also.
On our old boat, we closed the seacock and removed the handle.
 
Looks like that wire tie could be slipped right over the end. Probably better if you had a hole drilled in the handle and it went through that.
 
I removed the handle and had no problems when boarded.
 
I believe the CG rules dictate it should be modified to prevent accidental opening. Removing the handle is all that is required, and a pad lock on a Y valve is sufficient.

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5213/msd.asp

"Y valve. Type III MSDs having a through hull Y valve must only be opened when the vessel is offshore, beyond the limit of U.S. territorial waters. At all other times, the valve must be positively secured in a way that presents a physical barrier to valve use and prevents all discharges. Adequate means include the use of padlock, non-releasable wire-tie, or removal of the valve handle. For more information see 33 CFR 159.7."

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2001-title33-vol2/pdf/CFR-2001-title33-vol2-part159.pdf
 
There is no Y valve to lock out. Removal of the handle is an option or I guess I could drill a hole in the handle.
 
I don't think this will be acceptable as the zip tie can slip off. It should be tied to the handle thru a hole
 
From above,

"...non-releasable wire-tie, or removal of the valve handle..."

You can remove the Handle and hang it from that eyelet, or drill it for a ZipTie. That ZipTie should be one you have to cut to release the handle, then replace with a new ZipTie.
 
Doubtful. Looks as if that cable tie could easily slip off the end of the valve handle - hard to articulate it will positively prevent inadvertent opening of the valve (I forget at the moment the exact wording).
 
However, don't most handles have a hole in the end so you can insert a 3/8 drive ratchet? I'm thinking a tie through that hole would meet the criteria but I like removing the handle. I keep them locked up elsewhere.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

However, don't most handles have a hole in the end so you can insert a 3/8 drive ratchet? I'm thinking a tie through that hole would meet the criteria but I like removing the handle. I keep them locked up elsewhere.

Click to expand...


That would do it.
 
Seriously?

What are the chances that some USCG official is going to crawl all the way around my engine and
HVAC unit to inspect that valve?

AND if I leave it as the factory did, what is the worst thing he can do to me, since I did not actually discharge?

RWS
 
Coming down the State of Florida, we watched as local L.E.s pulled over every other boat for an inspection. We were lucky he was busy and slid by. Even though we were prepared, we were lucky because of the delays caused by their intrusion.

What can they do?

Fine you. Alot.
 
quote:
Originally posted by RWS

Seriously?

What are the chances that some USCG official is going to crawl all the way around my engine and
HVAC unit to inspect that valve?

AND if I leave it as the factory did, what is the worst thing he can do to me, since I did not actually discharge?

RWS

Click to expand...


I would say the chances are inversely proportional to the age and experience of the officer. From what I've seen, younger, less experienced guys are more prone to bilge diving and sticking their faces far too close to sewage plumbing.

And yes, they can write the violation for the valve not being secured.
 
From what I've heard, the fine is not cheap
 
quote:
Originally posted by cwms

From what I've heard, the fine is not cheap

Click to expand...


Can't think of any first hand experience where a recreational boater ended up paying a fine for simply not having the valve secured. I'm sure the ease of compliance has something to do with it. (Takes less than a minute to grab a wrench and remove the handle. "Officer, can I fix that right now and save you some paperwork?")

Now, cases involving actual discharge? From what I've seen and heard (you'll have to take my word on credibility here), those are the worst penalties you're likely to see. I've seen harder hits in terms of civil penalties for NDZ and MarPol violations than for boating under the influence and negligent operation. I'm talking actual discharge here, not an unsecured valve. That kind of stuff, and small children bowriding without PFD's, I've never seen warned.
 
Even with a Type I between my Type III and the discharge valve, I usually remove the handle when in a -ludicrous- NDZ. Technically, with the key to the Type I removed, there's no way to discharge waste (treated or not). But I don't feel like explaining that to some 19 year old doing his or her first inspection.

NDZ is good how? Oh, wait, different topic :-)
 
You know what's funny about just removing the valve handle (keep in mind I both have a different perspective on this and a strange sense of humor)?

How can you tell when the handle isn't on which way the valve is set?
 
quote:
Originally posted by November Charlie

You know what's funny about just removing the valve handle (keep in mind I both have a different perspective on this and a strange sense of humor)?

How can you tell when the handle isn't on which way the valve is set?

Click to expand...


Good point!!!
 
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